A GUN was thrown from a car in Dudley last night during a high speed car chase through the town.

Four men are in police custody this morning (Friday) after the incident in the early hours. 

Police on patrol attempted to stop a Ford Focus which was acting suspiciously on the Birmingham Road just before 3am, but the car failed to stop and was followed towards the town.

During the pursuit a black bag was thrown from the car near to Castle Gate Island. Officers returned to the area once the car was stopped in Lupin Road, Kates Hill only to find the black bag on the roadside, containing a firearm.

Four men, aged 19, 21, 22 and 29, were arrested from the car on suspicion of a firearms offence. They remain in custody this morning.

Inspector Sarah Galloway, from Dudley Police, said: “This was a significant find by patrol officers, where a viable, active firearm has been taken off the streets of Dudley.

“Four young men will be questioned later in connection with the seizure and why they were in possession of the weapon.

“The actions of our officers in stopping the suspicious vehicle is just another example of our ongoing commitment to removing weapons from our communities.

"We urge anyone who has information or suspicions regarding criminal activity of this nature to contact their local police on 101 to help us rid West Midlands streets of firearms.”